1998 Ford Focus vs. 2000 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2000 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (201 HP) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Taurus weights approximately 391 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2000 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2000 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
